The event gives surfers age 14 and younger the opportunity to surf at one of the South Shore’s premier surf breaks. Groms take to the waves in the shadow of the legendary Duke Kahanamoku statue at Kuhio Beach. T&C Surf produces the event each year to introduce young surfers to the world of competitive surfing in a less-intense setting. It is open only to surfers 14 and younger who are not ranked in the top 15 NSSA or HASA standings.

“The opportunity to share the stoke of surfing is what this event is all about,” says Craig Sugihara, founder / owner of T&C Surf. “Over the past 13 years we have watched the event grow and have constantly adjusted the format to provide as many keiki with the chance to experience the thrill of competitive surfing in an unintimidating setting. It is special to know that some of today’s top-rated surfers got their start at our contest and countless others created lifetime memories.”

Parents, uncles, aunties and kids from across the island chain pack the beach to support their favorite little ripper. The fun kicks off Saturday with a full day of heats in three divisions for boys and girls: shortboard, longboard and bodyboard. Passing the time between heats, kids enjoy beach games and score prizes from their favorite surf brands. Before the sun sets, the top young surfers will advance to the finals on Sunday.

Kids also get stoked about being in the spotlight of Surfer Magazine, title sponsor of the event. “Part of our job at Surfer Magazine is to cover the highest caliber surfers in the world, but we are just as passionate about brining the stoke to the young kids who are just beginning their surfing lives,” says Tony Perez, publisher of Surfer Magazine, title sponsor of the event. “The contest is an event that we at Surfer magazine look forward to every year, and we’re so proud to be part of it.”

Adults can also get in on the fun by signing up for the “Board Stories Expression Session” on Sunday afternoon. Parents join keiki in a special adult/child tandem surf event that gives them the opportunity to share the waves family style.

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“We are super proud to be invited back to participate in the T&C Surf Grom Contest,” says Mike Latronic, producer of Board Stories Television. “The FreeSurf magazine Expression Session is all about spending the right kind of time and energy with our loved ones. And that’s what being at the grom contest is all about.” The Expression Session is open to all adults and children (under age 5). On-site entry is free (limited to 10 entries) and prizes and trophies are awarded to the top three teams.

The event wraps up with the final heats on Sunday, where the top six in each division receive trophies and prize packs filled with surf products from event sponsors, including $100 gift certificates from T&C Surf as well as the opportunity to win one of two custom T&C Surf boards.

The Board Stories film crew will be on-site to capture all the action in the water for a segment on BoardStories TV this summer.

Entry forms are available at all T&C Surf locations and online at TCSurf.com/grom10. A portion of the proceeds from contest T-shirt sales will be donated to the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii. The public can call 808-483-8710 for more information.

Title13th Annual T&C Surf/Surfer Magazine Grom Contest

DateMay 22-23, 2010

LocationQueen’s surf break – Kuhio Beach, Waikiki

EntriesAvailable at all T&C Surf locations or online at TCSurf.com/grom10

Deadline for $25 entry Must be received by Friday, May 14, 2010

– Lunch courtesy of Wahoo’s Fish Tacos

– Snacks from Enza Apple Co.

– Hydration compliments of Pepsi

– FREE event T-shirt from T&C Surf

– Complimentary one-year Surfer Magazine subscription

– Goodie bag from product sponsors

Divisions

Boys shortboard

(5-7 years old) (8-11 years old) (12-14 years old)

Girls’ shortboard

(5-7 years old) (8-11 years old) (12-14 years old)

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Boys longboard

(5-9 years old) (10-14 years old)

Girls longboard

(5-9 years old) (10-14 years old)

Boys & girls bodyboard

(5-9 years old) (10-14 years old)

About T&C Surf

Founded in 1971 by surfboard shaper Craig Sugihara, T&C Surf operates three divisions: surfboards, retail and licensing. The surfboard division operates from a state-of-the art shaping facility in Wahiawa. It provides our highly skilled board shapers with the best tools for designing and producing some of the world’s most sought-after boards. The retail division includes seven locations on Oahu; Ala Moana Center, International Market Place, Kahala Mall, Pearlridge Shopping Center, Waikiki Trade Center, Ward Center, and Windward Mall. The licensing division has agreements around the world, including Japan, Brazil, Australia and New Zealand. Visit us online at TCSurf.com.